Resistance exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

A resistance exercise apparatus includes a support formation or platform for supporting the bodyweight of a user. The apparatus includes a pulley system with pulleys around which a cable is threaded, as well as a resistance mechanism with a pneumatic actuator connected to the pulley system. The cable has a handle on which the user can exert a muscular load so that the muscular load is transferred by the cable as a tensile load, to the resistance mechanism and the resistance mechanism being configured such that the pneumatic actuator exerts a resistive force against said tensile load.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a resistance exercise apparatus and in particular, to exercise apparatus that suitable for assessing physical capabilities such as muscular strength, range, etc.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The field of resistance exercise equipment is well developed with a large variety of commercially available mechanical weight-type, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromagnetic exercise equipment. Such equipment is typically fixed to a substrate such as a floor or a wall in a gymnasium or has a sufficiently heavy frame construction or alternatively makes use of ballast to weigh the equipment down so as to prevent movement of the equipment when a muscular force is applied to the equipment by a user.

The resistance exercise equipment offers to muscular force, is typically determined before the exercise commences, e.g. by selecting a certain weight or setting, but in some instances, resistance can be adjusted during the exercise. An example of exercise apparatus with adjustable resistance is a strength training machine that is wall-mounted and uses electromagnetism to create digitally controlled, variable resistance. This machines can be useful for assessing a person's muscular strength, but it is costly, complex to install and is not portable.

Exercise apparatus is commonly used to improve the user's physical capabilities, but in some instances, exercise apparatus are used to assess physical capabilities. This can be required as part of a training program, rehabilitation, or in various other circumstances, but a particular need arises in the case of occupational health, to assess employees' physical capabilities to ensure that they are fit for particular occupations, to diagnose problems, or the like. Occupational health assessments of this nature are very often not conducted because of the costs of equipment, the inconvenience of having to travel to locations where suitable equipment is permanently installed, etc.

Many types of exercise equipment have been developed for conducting only a single type of exercise, although many other types have been developed that allow users to perform different exercises—often with changes in position or orientation, or requiring adjustments to the equipment. As a general rule, more versatile exercise apparatus tend to be bulkier and more costly.

The present invention seeks to provide resistance exercise apparatus which overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of existing apparatus mentioned above, such that the resistance exercise apparatus will be suitable for assessment of physical capabilities—typically in addition to being suitable for training. In particular, the invention seeks to provide resistance exercise apparatus which can measure muscular force and range, which can adjust resistance to muscular force during the course of exercise, which can cater for a wide variety of exercises, and/or which is portable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a resistance exercise apparatus comprising:

-   -   a portable support structure including at least one support         formation for supporting the bodyweight, preferably the full         bodyweight, of a person using the resistance exercise apparatus,         the support structure being configured to be supported on a         substrate;     -   at least one pulley attached to the support structure;     -   a resistance mechanism which includes at least one pneumatic         actuator, said resistance mechanism being attached to the         support structure;     -   an engagement formation on which the person using the resistance         exercise apparatus can exert a muscular load; and     -   at least one inextensible tether that is threaded around at         least one said pulley, the tether being connected to the         engagement formation and to the resistance mechanism to transfer         a tensile load between the engagement formation and the         resistance mechanism;     -   said resistance mechanism being configured such that the         pneumatic actuator exerts a resistive force against said tensile         load.

The resistance exercise apparatus may include at least two pulleys and the tether may be threaded in multiple runs between the pulleys in a block-and-tackle configuration.

The resistance mechanism may include a control mechanism that is configured to control pneumatic pressure in the pneumatic actuator to control the resistive force exerted by the pneumatic actuator. The control mechanism may include at least one control valve that is configured for controlling a flow of compressed gas between the pneumatic actuator and a compressed gas source. The compressed gas source may include one or more reservoir and may include a compressor, which are supported on the support structure, the compressor being configured to supply gas under pressure to the reservoir.

The control mechanism may include a sensor that is configured to monitor extension of the pneumatic actuator.

The support formation may be a platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a top plan view, showing hidden detail, of a first embodiment of a resistance exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention, with a tether thereof in a partially extended condition;

FIG. 2 shows a side view, showing hidden detail, of the resistance exercise apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show top three-dimensional views, from different angles, of the resistance exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, with a deck of the apparatus removed;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show top three-dimensional views, from different angles, of the resistance exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, with a support post adaptor attached thereto for performing standing exercises;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a top three-dimensional view and side view, respectively, of the resistance exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, with a sliding seat and foot support extension adaptor attached thereto for performing seated exercises;

FIGS. 6A to 6D show three-dimensional views of the resistance exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, in use in conjunction with a bench adaptor for performing different exercises in different positions; and

FIG. 7 shows a top plan view, showing hidden detail, of a second embodiment of a resistance exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention, without its tether.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6D, resistance exercise apparatus according to the present invention is generally identified by reference sign 10 and the apparatus 10 comprises, broadly, a portable support structure 12 including a support formation in the form of a platform 14 for supporting the bodyweight, preferably the full bodyweight, of a person using the resistance exercise apparatus, a resistance mechanism 16 for providing a resistive force, a pulley system designated generally by reference sign 18 and a single inextensible tether in the form of a cable 20 which is connected to the resistance mechanism via the pulley system.

In other embodiments of the invention, the portable support structure 12 may include other support formations for supporting the body weight of a person, such as a seat, bench, or the like.

In other embodiments of the invention, the tether could be in the form of a strap, rope, or the like and there could be more than one tether.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 12 has a rectangular box construction with a lower wall of the support structure defining a flat base on which the support structure rests on a flat substrate surface such as a floor of a building structure. The support structure 12 defines a flat upper wall comprising the platform 14 which defines a flat support surface on which a person is directly or indirectly supported when using the resistance exercise apparatus.

The resistance mechanism 16 is pneumatically-operable and comprises a pair of pneumatic actuators 22.1 and 22.2, a compressed gas source in the form of a reservoir or pressure vessel 24 containing compressed air (although it could include other gasses), for driving the pneumatic actuators 22.1 and 22.2 and an electronic proportional control valve 26 for controlling a flow of compressed air between the actuators 22.1, 22.2 and the pressure vessel 24 in order to provide a resistive force. The apparatus 10 further includes a control mechanism including an electronic control unit 28 for controlling operation of the control valve 26.

Each of the pneumatic actuators 22 is a pneumatic piston/cylinder mechanism, but in other embodiments, the resistance mechanism 16 may include different pneumatic actuators.

In simpler embodiments of the invention, the pulley system 18 could include a single pulley supported on the support structure 12, but the illustrated embodiment includes several such pulleys. Some of the pulleys are guide pulleys 31 that guide movement of the cable 20 to and from the resistance mechanism 16. Other pulleys 30 in the pulley system 18 include two sets of pulleys 30 between which the cable 20 is threaded. More specifically, the pulleys 30 are arranged in a first set 32 of pulleys having a common axle and a second set 34 of pulleys having a common axle. The second set 34 of pulleys is spaced from the first set 32 of pulleys and the cable 20 is threaded between the two sets of pulleys in a bock-and-tackle configuration 33.

Each of the pneumatic actuators 22 includes a cylinder 36 and a piston 38, with the pistons 38 being fixedly connected to each other via a cross bar 40. More specifically, the axle on which the first set 32 of pulleys 30 is mounted is connected to the cross bar 40 in an arrangement wherein extension or retraction of the pistons 38 causes an increase or decrease, respectively, in the spacing between the two sets of pulleys in the block-and-tackle configuration. The movement of the pistons 38 and crossbar 40 in unison, is preferably guided, to ensure easy sliding movement, even if the tension exerted on the first set 32 of pulleys 30 by the cable 20, causes a moment on the cross bar.

The support structure has two exit openings 42 and 44 through which the cable 20 extends from the support structure 12. The cable 20 has engagement formations in the form of handles 46 attached to opposite ends of the cable, permitting a user of the apparatus to apply a muscular load to the cable, which load is transferred by the cable as a tensile load, to the resistance mechanism 16 when the user pulls on the cable. Similarly, a resistive force exerted by the resistance mechanism 16 is transferred by the cable 20 as a tensile load, to the handles 46.

In other embodiments of the invention, other forms of engagement formations can be used, e.g. engagement formations in the forms of attachment formations that can be attached to handles, bars, footholds, or the like—and the engagement formations need not be attached to the ends of the cable, but can grip the cable intermediate its ends or can exert on a force on the cable without gripping the cable, e.g. an engagement formation could include a pulley or loop through which the cable is threaded.

Some of the guide pulleys 31 are located at the exit openings 42,44 for guided displacement of the cable 20 relative to the support structure 12.

The platform 14 of the support structure permits a user to be supported thereon in a standing, sitting or lying position wherein the full bodyweight of the user is supported on the support structure. The bodyweight of the user thus weighs down the apparatus 10 and accordingly, the apparatus need not include excessive weight to serve a ballast and keep it stable.

The resistance mechanism 16 is attached to (and supported by) the support structure 12 and in particular, the cylinders 36 of the actuators 22 are fixedly attached to the support structure in the illustrated embodiment. The pistons 38 and cross bar 40 are also attached to the support structure, but are movable in unison, relative to the support structure. The cable 20 is not fixedly attached to the resistance mechanism 16 in the illustrated embodiment, but is connected to the resistance mechanism by the pulley system 18, by being threaded around the first 32 and second 34 sets of pulleys 30. In other embodiments, the cable 20 (or other tether) could be attached directly to a pneumatic actuator of the resistance mechanism 16, could operate through a lever, or other transfer mechanism, or the like. However, the use of the pulley system 18 with multiple runs of the cable 20 between the pulleys 30, allows a very long length of the cable to be drawn from the pulley system and to be retracted, within the operational range of the actuators 22.

In use, a person using the apparatus 10 exerts a muscular load on one or both handles 46, which load is transferred to the cable 20 as a tensile load and the cable is drawn from the pulley system 18 under the muscular load, while guided by the guide pulleys 31. While the cable 20 is drawn from the pulley system, the two sets 32,34 of pulleys 30 are drawn closer together, which causes the pistons 38 to be pushed into the cylinders 36 in a work stroke of the actuators 22.

Pneumatic air pressure inside the actuators 22 resist movement of the pistons 38 in the work stroke and once the muscular load on the handles 46 and cable 20 ceases or is reduced, the pneumatic pressure in the actuators pushes the pistons 38 out of the cylinders 36 in a return stroke of the actuators. The return stroke of the actuators causes the two sets 32,34 of pulleys 30 to move farther apart and thus retracts the cable 20 into the pulley system 18. The pneumatic pressure in the actuators 22 thus causes the actuators to resist the tensile loads exerted on the cable 20 and retracts the cable after it has been drawn from the pulley system 18 (and thus from the support structure 12 thought the exit openings 42,44).

A user would typically perform an exercise while applying the muscular force to the handle(s) 46 and cable 20 and after the exercise is performed, the user would return to about the same physical position as before the exercise was performed. The exercise may be repeated in any number of repetitions and each exercise typically involves movement across a range, from a start position to an end position. The muscular force applied by the user causes the cable 20 to be drawn from the pulley system 18, against the resistance from the resistance mechanism 16, but the user may still apply muscular force (i.e. pull on the cable) during the return movement after the exercise—typically requiring eccentric muscular action.

The apparatus 10 includes a control mechanism which in the illustrated embodiment includes the control valve 26 and the electronic control unit 28, but which also includes at least one sensor 29 that monitors extension or displacement (i.e. the position) of the pistons 38 and cross bar 40. Similarly, in other embodiments of the invention, sensors could be configured to monitor movement and positions of other pneumatic actuators. The control valve 26 monitors pressure in the actuators 22, or in other embodiments of the invention, the control mechanism may include additional sensors that are configured to monitor the pressure in the actuators 22. The sensors transmit signals to the control unit 28 and the signals include data relating to the extension of the actuators 22 and the pneumatic pressure in the actuators (which can be equated with or translated to tensile force in the cable 20). The control unit 28 can be mounted on the apparatus (as shown), but could instead be separate from the apparatus and can communicate with the apparatus wirelessly or by cable. In other embodiments, the control unit can communicate with a device such as computer or mobile phone, or the like.

The control unit 28, or an electronic device in communication with the control unit, uses the data relating to extension (of the actuators 22) and force (determined from the pressure in the actuators) to monitor the exercises performed by the person using the apparatus 10. The control unit also controls the pressure in the actuators 22 via the control valve 26. It should be borne in mind that the pressure in the actuators 22 can increase when air is transferred to the actuators from the pressure vessel 24 via the control valve 26, but also when the user pulls on the cable 20, which pushes the pistons 38 into the cylinders 36 that thus compresses the air inside the actuators.

The software in the control unit 28 is configured to allow a user set various parameters for different exercises, which could include: pressure reduction as the user reaches the end of a stroke in an exercise, limiting the force exerted by the actuators in an exercise, limiting the range of an exercise, or the like. The control unit 28 can also be set to adjust the resistance to muscular force (i.e. to adjust the pressure in the actuators 22) during the course of exercise, to challenge the user, to protect the user, to prevent shock, etc. This is particularly useful in training, if the force is kept low at the start and end of an exercise, but is gradually increased and decreased during the exercise, so that the user performs a challenging exercise, but is spared the shocks of high muscular impact.

The control unit 28 records the performance of the user during an exercise and particularly records the force exerted by the user and the extension of the actuators 22 (i.e. the range of movement during the exercise) and records these parameters over time. These parameters can also be recorded by the control unit in the form of a profile of force versus extension.

All these parameters recorded by the control unit 28 can be used to assess the physical capabilities of the user of the apparatus 10—in addition to the apparatus being suitable for training.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a particular embodiment of the apparatus 10 is shown, wherein the apparatus includes a support post adaptor 48 comprising a support post 50 and a movable pulley assembly 52 which is slidably displaceable along the support post 50 such that the height of the pulley assembly 52 is adjustable relative to the platform 14. This allows a user on the platform 14 to pull the handle 46 from a variety of heights and thus allows the user to perform a variety of exercises.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a further embodiment of the apparatus 10 is illustrated wherein the apparatus includes a sliding seat and foot support extension adaptor 54 mounted to the support structure. The adaptor 54 includes a seat 56 and a pair of foot rests 58 on which a person can be seated and rest their feet, respectively, while performing seated exercises. The adaptor 54 includes an extension post 60 which extends obliquely outwardly from the support structure 12 and a guide rail 62 mounted to the support structure along which the seat 56 is slidably displaceable. The adaptor 54 allows a user to perform various exercises in a seated position, including rowing-type exercises, or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6D, further embodiments of the apparatus 10 are illustrated, including a bench adaptor 64 which can be located and supported on the platform 14 of the apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, or alongside the apparatus 10 as in FIG. 6D, allowing a person to perform different exercises whilst standing, lying or seated on the bench adaptor. The bench adaptor 64 includes a bench platform 66 and optionally one or two bench legs 68 at opposite ends of the bench platform 66 which can support the ends of the bench platform to provide stable support of the bench platform on a substrate surface. In FIG. 6A the bench platform 66 of the bench adaptor 64 is shown resting on the platform 14 of the support structure 10 while in FIG. 6B, the bench adaptor is shown shifted to one side in an arrangement wherein one of the legs 68 is not required as an end of the bench platform 66 is supported directly on the platform 14 of the support structure 12. In FIG. 6C, both bench legs 68 are in use to support the bench platform 66 alongside the platform 14, but at a higher elevation. In FIG. 6D, the bench legs 68 are folded inwardly by 90 degrees underneath the bench platform 66, so that the bench platform can be alongside the platform 14 at about the same height.

Referring to all of FIGS. 1 to 6D, in the embodiments of the apparatus 10 shown, the bodyweight of a user of the apparatus is supported directly or indirectly on the support structure 12 thereby obviating the need for ballast to weight the apparatus down or fixedly secure the apparatus to a fixed structure such as a floor or wall of a building structure.

The apparatus 10 is relatively compact and light in weight, by virtue of relying on the weight of the user, for stability. Similarly, the support post adaptor 48, adaptor 54 and bench adaptor 64, shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, are relatively compact and light in weight. The apparatus 10 and its accessories are thus portable, yet cater for a very wide variety of exercises. The apparatus 10 provides a simple, yet effective portable exercise apparatus which provides many of the benefits of larger and heavier exercise equipment.

Referring to FIG. 7, a second embodiment is shown, of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention and is identified generally, by reference sign 11. The apparatus 11 shares most of its features with the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, with a few variations. Features that are common between the two embodiments of the exercise apparatus, are identified by the same reference signs.

The apparatus 11 includes only a single actuator 22 and the first and second sets 32,34 of pulleys are disposed on opposing ends of the actuator. The rotational axes of the pulleys in the sets 32, 34 are also vertical, instead of horizontal as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

The apparatus 11 includes two pressure vessels 24 and a compressor 25 disposed between them, to provide compressed air to the pressure vessels and thus obviate the need for an external source of compressed air. 

1. A resistance exercise apparatus comprising: a portable support structure including at least one support formation for supporting the bodyweight of a person using the resistance exercise apparatus, the support structure being configured to be supported on a substrate; at least one pulley attached to the support structure; a resistance mechanism which includes at least one pneumatic actuator, said resistance mechanism being attached to the support structure; an engagement formation on which the person using the resistance exercise apparatus can exert a muscular load; and at least one inextensible tether that is threaded around at least one said pulley, said tether being connected to the engagement formation and to the resistance mechanism to transfer a tensile load between the engagement formation and the resistance mechanism; said resistance mechanism being configured such that the pneumatic actuator exerts a resistive force against said tensile load.
 2. The resistance exercise apparatus according to claim 1, which includes at least two pulleys, said tether being threaded in multiple runs between the pulleys.
 3. The resistance exercise apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the resistance mechanism includes a control mechanism that is configured to control pneumatic pressure in the pneumatic actuator to control the resistive force exerted by the pneumatic actuator.
 4. The resistance exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control mechanism includes at least one control valve that is configured for controlling a flow of compressed gas between the pneumatic actuator and a compressed gas source.
 5. The resistance exercise apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the compressed gas source includes at least one reservoir that is supported on the support structure.
 6. The resistance exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the compressed gas source includes a compressor that is supported on the support structure, said compressor being configured to supply gas under pressure to the reservoir.
 7. The resistance exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control mechanism includes a sensor that is configured to monitor extension of the pneumatic actuator.
 8. The resistance exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support formation is a platform. 